Elder Xu had served three emperors and had a keen understanding of their minds.
He immediately grasped Emperor Qi's current thoughts and spoke to ease the tension.
"Your Majesty, in this old minister's opinion, the wealthy merchants of the Great Jin have been making a fortune these past years. Now that the southwest is in trouble, they should naturally contribute. Why not start with the Feng family? Since they have surrendered this mine, they are meritorious individuals. A plaque could be bestowed upon them, allowing them to continue serving the Great Jin."
Feng Hai, listening in the court, found this method feasible.
With the Emperor's golden words of praise and a plaque, others would have to think twice before saying anything more.
Moreover, this was just an example with the Feng family; countless other wealthy merchants would follow suit, thus reducing the pressure on the Ministry of Revenue.
He immediately stepped forward and said, "Elder Xu's proposal is indeed a good strategy. Your Majesty, this year's harvest is poor, and there is also the disaster in the southwest. If we can gather the strength of the people, it will be much easier than the imperial family solely handling disaster relief."
Feng Hai submitted reports on the Ministry of Revenue's situation at regular intervals.
Therefore, Emperor Qi understood very well that by spending others' money and achieving success, the imperial family's reputation would be enhanced. He was naturally pleased.
He nodded and said to Elder Xu,
"Elder, you are indeed the pillar of this朕. This method is excellent. I shall entrust you with handling this matter, and you must ensure it is done flawlessly!"
"This old minister obeys."
A crisis that was originally aimed at the Feng family's second branch was resolved by Elder Xu in a few words.
The entire Feng family was now immensely grateful to Elder Xu. Without his proposal, the second branch would likely have faced a host of troubles again.
Elder Xu had long understood the Feng family.
Others might not know Prince Ding's intentions towards their daughter, Feng Jin Yao, but he knew them best.
Therefore, he had already had people thoroughly investigate the entire Feng family, including the second branch in Liangzhou of the northwest.
The conclusion he reached was highly satisfactory: loyalty and righteousness for officials, and benevolence for merchants.
The Feng family was indeed a rare and good family.
At this moment, he was solely focused on how to trick Feng Jin Yao into marrying Prince Ding, unaware that his own beloved granddaughter was about to be tricked by the Feng family.
"Elder's righteousness is commendable. This subordinate thanks you on behalf of my second brother for resolving the situation."
"It's nothing. If Lord Feng does not mind, would you invite this old man to your residence for a cup of tea?"
Feng Hai was taken aback. It was indeed something only Elder Xu would do to so directly invite himself over.
He immediately laughed heartily, "It is this subordinate's oversight. Elder Xu, please."
As he invited Elder Xu towards his home, he instructed his attendant to quickly return and inform his wife to make arrangements in advance.
Madam Feng had been waiting for this day for a long time. After Feng Jin Lin's imperial examination results were released, she had wanted to propose marriage, but he was hastily sent to Jinling City and had not yet returned.
Xu Ming Yue had also not returned from Wenjin Academy, so things had been at a standstill.
Elder Xu's personal visit today was a great honor for their Feng family, and they naturally had to be diligent in their preparations, lest the Elder find any displeasure and jeopardize this marriage proposal.
Therefore, Madam Feng, with the utmost speed, had the path they would enter arranged for further tidying, and tea and refreshments were prepared in the reception hall, information she had obtained from Lin Shi in advance.
Lin Shi, having visited the Bai family's residence several times, naturally knew Elder Xu's preferences.
As soon as everything was ready, Elder Xu arrived.
Upon entering the Feng residence, although it was not an ancient aristocratic family, the house was tidily arranged, grand, and bright, bringing joy to the heart.
Unlike the Duke of Wei's mansion, which was incredibly opulent upon entry, seemingly conveying a sense of family heritage, it was filled with the air of a nouveau riche.
Elder Xu always felt quite displeased whenever he visited.
"The residence is well-arranged. It seems Prime Minister Bai has raised his daughter well."
"Thank you for your praise, Elder. Please."
Feng Hai led him into the reception hall, where Madam Feng had been waiting for a long time.
He had initially considered inviting the Wen family over, but he feared the grand display might alarm the Elder, so he restrained his thoughts.
If the Elder were to stay for a meal, then they could all come.
"Your humble wife greets the Elder. May the Elder be in good health."
"Madam Feng, there is no need for such formality. I am merely shamelessly here for a cup of tea today; there is no need for such ceremony."
"The Elder and my father are of the same generation. This humble wife naturally dares not neglect you. Please do not find fault with the tea in our humble home."
With that, she instructed someone to serve the meticulously prepared refreshments.
As soon as the Elder smelled the fragrance, he knew it was something he usually enjoyed.
He couldn't help but admire Madam Feng, who was indeed meticulous, knowing his preferences in advance and preparing them. She was truly the eldest daughter of the Bai family, handling complex relationships exceptionally well.
Under her tutelage, Feng Jin Yao would surely not be lacking.
He became even more satisfied with this future Princess Ding.
Unfortunately, Feng Hai and his wife were unaware of Elder Xu's intentions. They were solely focused on their youngest son Feng Jin Lin's marriage.
Thus, they began to speak indirectly.
One wanted to inquire about Feng Jin Yao's marriage, while the other wanted to arrange a marriage between Feng Jin Lin and Xu Ming Yue.
The three exchanged pleasantries, and although nothing was explicitly stated, they all understood the general meaning.
Compared to Elder Xu's surprise at the Feng family's interest in his granddaughter, Feng Hai and his wife were clearly completely unaware of Prince Ding and A Yao.
"This, Prince Ding is the God of War of our dynasty and also an imperial uncle. It is likely that our Feng family is not worthy of such a match."
Feng Hai had never considered marrying his daughter to Prince Ding. Not to mention his poor health, who knew when he would pass away.
Even if he were to recover immediately and come to propose, Feng Hai would refuse.
Becoming a princess might appear glorious to outsiders, but only one would know the sorrow within.
He and his wife had loved each other devotedly throughout their lives and had never had anyone else interfere.
However, if Prince Ding were to take a princess, the inner court would likely not be peaceful.
In his opinion, someone like Yin Can Wen would be better – with a simple family background, easy for them to manage.
If she were to marry into Prince Ding's mansion, they would likely only be managed.
Elder Xu, who knew Feng Hai's thoughts well, said mysteriously,
"News has arrived from Jinling City stating that the Prince's illness has been cured by a miraculous medicine and he is almost fully recovered. So, Lord Feng, please rest assured."
He then shifted his focus and lavished praise on Madam Feng.
"My Ming Yue is a close friend of your young lady. I have occasionally mentioned your young lady to Prince Ding on a few occasions, and he has always been very excited. That is why I have shamelessly come to pave the way for the Prince. I dare not guarantee anything else, but if your young lady is wronged after marrying into the Prince's family, I will be the first to object."
Object?
What could be done then?
One could not simply divorce royalty!